Jenkins' SEC Dream Comes True

While the announcement may have been a foregone conclusion once the offer was extended, today marks one of the biggest days in the young life of Clarksdale high offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins. After an All-State senior campaign, Jenkins collected a handful of scholarship offers. This weekend, with his mother mother at his side, Jenkins made a trip to Mississippi State that changed everything.

Jenkins made the official visit to Starkville without an offer in hand, but with high hopes that one would be extended.

Shortly after his Sunday began, Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen had a conversation with the talented big man about joining the Bulldog program.

"I admit that I was a little shaky going into the meeting," said Jenkins. "A lot of times, I sort of expect the worst, but this time something great happened for me.

"Coach Mullen told me that they were offering me.

"I went ahead and committed right then.

"My mama was with me and she said that she almost started crying, but I think she probably did a little bit."

Before Jenkins met with Coach Mullen to wrap up his official visit, the talented big man had the chance to learn more about what happens behind the scenes with Bulldog football.

"Kent Flowers hosted me," said Jenkins. "I didn't know him before, but he's a good dude.

"He told me about how much he liked the program and about how much he liked Coach (John) Hevesy.

"I like him too. I think he's going to be a good coach.

"I went out with Kent and he told me about how hard you have to work, but that it's fun because of how good the program is and how much the coaches push you to get better."

The decision to attend Mississippi State was an easy one for Jenkins once the chance presented itself, but the future looks even brighter for Jenkins who will get the chance to share it with his best friend, J.T. Gray.

"We have been playing together since pee wee," said Jenkins. "He moved away, but then he came back and I was glad.

"It's going to be good that we can go to Mississippi State together, because we can look out for each other and push each other."

Gray and Jenkins are the first SEC prospects from Clarksdale since Charles Mitchell went on to the NFL after four strong years at Mississippi State.

"Charles Mitchell is like a role model to all of us," said Jenkins. "We all saw him have a great college career and then go to the NFL.

"I look up to him a lot and I know if he can do it, then I can too."

Jenkins now plans to sign with Mississippi State on Wednesday bringing this whirlwind courtship to a close.